A SLOW convoy of about 30 lorries held up rush-hour traffic in Liverpool today as scaffolders protested about rising insurance costs.

Firms say they have been hit with increases of up to 500% in employers' liability insurance over the past two years.

Steve Bird, who runs Liverpool-based Stockwest Scaffolding and is chairman of the Northern Association of Scaffolders, said: "My premiums have risen from £6,000 to £28,000. The insurance companies are using high-risk industries to bail them out of difficulties."

Mr Bird, who employs 10 staff, added: "If these costs rise further, my business will not be able to carry on."

Liz Hughes, of Olympic Scaffold in Bootle, has seen her premiums rise from £13,200 to £44,000 a year.

Liz said: "This industry is in a crisis and we have to make people listen."